County health officials said 18 residents tested positive
for influenza A, which is a strain of H1N1, but additional tests are being
conducted with the Michigan Department of Community Health.

"They were able to do a screening test which tells them the
type of influenza but not the strain. Two tests were sent to the MDCH for
further testing," said Richard Thoune, the health officer for both Jackson
County and Allegiance Health.

The outbreak was reported to the health department Friday,
Jan. 3, and the facility stopped allowing visitors.

"We're not letting visitors in for a short time and are
anticipating it should be lifted early next week," said Sandra Place, the
facility administrator. "It's for the protection of the residents and our
staff."

Thoune said all symptomatic and asymptomatic residents are
being treated with Tamiflu.

"This is a particularly nasty season we are in, there are
already multiple outbreaks around the state, at the medical care facility and
hospitalizations are occurring at Allegiance Health," Thoune said.

He said there are 13 confirmed cases in Jackson County of
influenza A.

"Most influenza activity in Michigan lately is due to the
H1N1 virus," he said.

Thoune strongly encourages residents to get a flu vaccine.

"The good news is that the vaccine this year covers that
strain," he said.

Place said viral outbreaks are common in facilities that
house multiple residents.

The severity of the flu season this December prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a health advisory on Christmas Eve about H1N1.